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Flu Facts

Influenza, or "flu," is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. While flu viruses can be detected year-round in the United States, they are most common during the fall and winter, with activity increasing in October and peaking between December and February.1

Each year, an estimated 3-11% of the U.S. population gets the flu, and it can be very serious, resulting in hospitalization or even death.2,3 Since 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu has resulted in:4,5

Over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can temporarily relieve flu symptoms, but antiviral treatments attack the flu at the source, stopping the virus from spreading in the body to get you on a quicker path to recovery.6,7

It spreads quickly

The flu is highly contagious and is transmitted when someone coughs, sneezes or talks.3 It can also live on some surfaces for up to 48 hours, and can spread if someone touches the surface and then touches their mouth or nose.8

Most healthy adults may be able to spread the flu as early as one day before their symptoms develop and up to 6-7 days after becoming sick.3

It’s preventable and treatable

Get vaccinated

The CDC recommends that all persons aged six months and older should be vaccinated annually. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if it is right for you.9

Stop the spread

Routinely clean surfaces, steer clear of people who are sick, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash hands frequently.3

Seek treatment

Antiviral medicines help reduce the duration of flu symptoms and are most effective if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.6